University of Virginia Library

JOHN CHILTON JOHNSON

John Chilton Johnson, the oldest druggist in point of
service, now doing business in the city of Roanoke, was
born in Warrenton, Fauquier County, Virginia, being a
son of William and
Sarah (Allen) Johnson.
In his boyhood he attended
the public
schools of his native
county and the Warrenton
High School.

In early manhood he
accepted a position as
clerk in a Warrenton
drug store and afterwards
became proprietor
of a drug business,
which he operated
for several years in his
native town. In 1882,
when Roanoke was still
Big Lick, he located on
Commerce Street
Southwest, and opened
a drug store. Later Captain Robert B. Moorman
became identified with Mr. Johnson in business and
they bought out Scott & Butler, who were operating a
drug store in the building now occupied by the firm
of Johnson & Johnson, at the corner of Jefferson Street
and Salem Avenue. As the firm now owned and controlled
two stores, Messrs. Johnson & Moorman dissolved
partnership, Mr. Johnson taking the Jefferson
Street store, and Captain Moorman the Commerce
Street store. Sometime afterwards, T. W. Johnson,
a cousin of John Chilton Johnson became identified
with him by purchasing an interest and since that time
they have conducted the business under the firm name
of Johnson & Johnson.

Besides being the oldest in the drug business in
Roanoke, the firm has also been one of the largest and
most important in that line of trade. Mr. Johnson has
seen the city grow from a small hamlet to its present
proportions and greatness. He enjoys the distinction
of having been the first depositor in the First National
Bank upon its organization in 1882, and still retains his
passbook which he prizes most highly as a relic.

Mr. Johnson enjoys the confidence and respect of
the people of Roanoke and vicinity, and has at all times
been active in behalf of any movement having for its
object the city's advancement.